Phalguna Amavasya, the New Moon day in the month of Phalguna, is a spiritually significant occasion in Vedic astrology. Observed widely across India, this day is ideal for performing Pitru Tarpan (ancestral rites), offering prayers, and engaging in spiritual reflection. Traditionally, it is believed that performing pujas on this day can help cleanse negative energies, strengthen family bonds, and bring peace to departed souls.

In 2026, Phalguna Amavasya coincides with favorable planetary alignments, amplifying its spiritual importance. Observing the rituals correctly allows devotees to connect with cosmic energies, fostering prosperity, emotional clarity, and karmic balance.

Phalguna Amavasya 2026 Date & Timings (IST)

  • Amavasya (New Moon) Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026

  • Amavasya Tithi Begins: 5:34 PM on 16 February 2026

  • Amavasya Tithi Ends: 5:30 PM on 17 February 2026

  • Nakshatra: Revati

  • Sun Sign: Aquarius (Kumbha)

  • Moon Sign: Pisces (Meena)

Tip: Rituals and Pitru Tarpan performed during the Amavasya Tithi, especially after sunrise on 17 February, are considered most auspicious.

Astrological Significance of Phalguna Amavasya

Planetary Influences

Phalguna Amavasya occurs during the last lunar phase, generating heightened spiritual energy:

  • Moon: Influences intuition, emotions, and ancestral connections.

  • Sun in Aquarius: Enhances clarity, discipline, and purification energies.

  • Mars & Saturn: Encourage introspection, karmic reconciliation, and spiritual focus.

This combination of planetary positions makes it an auspicious day for meditation, ancestor worship, and releasing past karmas.

Zodiac Considerations

  • Pisces (Meena) Moon: Boosts intuition, compassion, and spiritual insight.

  • Aquarius Sun: Promotes selfless acts, charitable giving, and disciplined rituals.

Performing pujas aligned with these signs enhances spiritual and emotional benefits.

Phalguna Amavasya Puja Vidhi

Preparations

  1. Take a clean bath before sunrise.

  2. Wear traditional white or yellow attire.

  3. Keep ready water, sesame seeds, black sesame oil, rice, flowers, and incense sticks.

Steps of Puja

  1. Ganesh Puja: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.

  2. Pitru Tarpan (Ancestor Worship):

    • Sit facing south and pour water with sesame seeds while chanting:
       “ॐ नमो पितृभ्यः”

    • Offer food and flowers to honor departed ancestors.

  3. Navagraha Puja (Optional): Pray to the nine planets for balance in life.

  4. Charity & Donation: Distribute food, clothes, or grains to the needy.

Benefits of Following Puja Vidhi

  • Cleanses ancestral karma

  • Enhances emotional peace and mental clarity

  • Brings harmony to family relationships

  • Opens doors for prosperity and spiritual growth

Pitru Tarpan: Honoring Ancestors

Importance

Pitru Tarpan ensures peace for deceased family members. According to scriptures, offerings on Amavasya:

  • Bring blessings to living descendants

  • Remove obstacles and familial disharmony

  • Promote spiritual purification

How to Perform

  • Perform Tarpan on a riverbank or at home with water, sesame seeds, and rice.

  • Recite: “ॐ पितृदेवाय नमः” while offering water.

  • Meditate on gratitude and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony.

Spiritual Benefits of Phalguna Amavasya

  • Cleansing of Negative Energies: Helps release past karmas and emotional baggage.

  • Enhanced Intuition: Meditating on this day strengthens inner guidance and spiritual insight.

  • Family Harmony: Pitru Tarpan nurtures ancestral blessings, enhancing peace in family life.

  • Charitable Karma: Donations amplify spiritual merit and social well-being.

Practical Tips & Remedies

  • Light mustard oil lamps at home to ward off negative energies.

  • Avoid arguments; focus on introspection and devotion.

  • Consume sattvic foods like fruits, milk, and cereals.

  • Recite Hanuman Chalisa or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for protection and clarity.

  • Observe a fast from sunrise to sunset for spiritual purification.

Conclusion

Phalguna Amavasya 2026 on 17 February is a perfect occasion to connect with ancestral energies, perform meaningful rituals, and enhance spiritual awareness. Observing Pitru Tarpan and puja rituals during the correct Tithi ensures harmony, prosperity, and mental clarity. Even small acts like meditation, charity, or mantra recitation amplify the benefits of this auspicious day.

Reflect on gratitude, devotion, and ancestral blessings to honor the past and nurture a peaceful, prosperous future.

FAQs on Phalguna Amavasya

Q1. What is Phalguna Amavasya?
A: Phalguna Amavasya is the New Moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna. It is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, inner cleansing, and honoring one’s ancestors. On this day, devotees typically:

  • Perform Pitru Tarpan (ancestral offerings)

  • Meditate or chant sacred mantras

  • Engage in charity and acts of kindness

Q2. Why is Pitru Tarpan performed on Phalguna Amavasya?
A: Pitru Tarpan is performed to honor departed ancestors and seek their peace, forgiveness, and blessings for the family’s well-being. Common practices include:

  • Offering water mixed with sesame seeds (til)

  • Presenting food and prayers to ancestors

  • Meditating with gratitude and remembrance

Q3. Can I perform Phalguna Amavasya puja at home?
A: Yes. A home puja is considered effective when performed with sincerity, cleanliness, and correct timing. You may:

  • Take a purifying bath before the ritual

  • Light a lamp (diya) and incense

  • Offer food, grains, or water to ancestors with prayers

Q4. What are the spiritual benefits of fasting on Amavasya?
A: Fasting on Amavasya is believed to purify the body and mind, strengthen self-discipline, and deepen spiritual awareness. Recommended observances include:

  • Eating light, sattvic food after sunset (if not on a full fast)

  • Spending time in meditation and self-reflection

  • Avoiding anger, negativity, and distractions

Q5. Which mantras are best for Phalguna Amavasya?
A: Mantras dedicated to ancestors, healing, and protection are especially beneficial. Commonly recited prayers include those for ancestral peace and spiritual upliftment. For best results:

  • Chant 11 or 21 times (or in multiples of these)

  • Maintain focus and a calm mind while reciting

  • Offer flowers or water with devotion